Giorgos Karagounis scored the only goal as Greece produced a major shock to knock Russia out of Euro 2012 and seal their place in the quarter-finals.

Russia had dominated the game before Karagounis pounced on a Sergei Ignashevich error to drill in a shot.

Roman Shirokov had earlier been denied a penalty after claiming a push by Karagounis, who himself had a strong spot-kick shout waved away later on.

Giorgos Tzavellas struck the post with a free-kick as Greece secured victory.

Wasteful Russia v Greece

Attempts on goal: 31

Shots on target: 2

Shots off target: 17

Blocked shots: 12

Source: Opta Sports

Alan Dzagoev sent a late header wide from an Andrey Arshavin cross but Russia struggled to break down a resolute Greece and their first defeat in 17 games cost them dearly.

They finished on the same points in Group A as second-placed Greece but were eliminated because of their head-to-head record.

It was a remarkable turnaround for both sides as Russia had been tipped as potential tournament winners after beating the Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening game.

Greece, on the other hand, were given little chance of making it through to the last eight after winning a solitary point from their first two matches.

But the underdogs - who ground their way to unlikely Euro 2004 glory by relying on a stubborn defence and catching teams out on the counter-attack or with set-pieces - again managed to spring a big surprise.

They knew only a win against Russia would be enough to get into the quarter-finals and they started positively.

Analysis

"Greece worked really hard. They've been defensive and sometimes it wasn't pretty. But they deserve to be through. However, I've got no sympathy for the Russians. The Russian fans inside the stadium are furious with a team that didn't seem to care enough."

Kostas Katsouranis had a glanced shot from a Karagounis corner palmed away by keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev, and Vassilis Torossidis had a shot blocked.

But as the game progressed, the Greeks sat back, happy to soak up the pressure while trying to catch their opponents out on the break.

Aleksandr Kerzakhov fired a sweet shot agonisingly wide before Shirokov was denied a penalty for what appeared a clear push by Karagounis.

A Zhirkov 22-yard shot went just over and Russia's failure to convert their domination into goals was punished by an unlikely goal for Greece.

Russian defender Ignashevich missed a headed clearance from a Greece throw-in and Karagounis, who was making a record-equalling 120th appearance for his country, raced clear before finishing with a great deal of composure.

Greece in focus

Greece's win over Russia was their first victory in six European Championship games since they won the tournament in Euro 2004.

Greece lost to Russia in the Euro 2004 and Euro 2008 group stages.

The strike stunned Russia and Zhrikov was nutmegged by Torossidis, whose low cross was crucially intercepted by Aleksandr Anyukov with Fanis Gekas waiting to tap in.

Russia were now on the backfoot and Karagounis had strong claims for a penalty when he appeared to be tripped by Ignashevich.